Jim Romanovich Interview
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Video Spotlight. How did you become involved with this project?
Jim Romanovich: Actually, I was checking into the KISS ASYLUM website when I saw this mention of an Eric Carr video being produced. I thought, "it's about time." Then I saw that Bruce Kulick was involved as well as the Caravello family and knew this was going to be a class production. In addition, I read that a portion of the net proceeds were going to be given to a cancer research foundation in Eric's name and knew then this was something I needed to do.
I contacted Bruce, as I have been good friends with Bob Kulick for about 10 years now, and he told Jack Sawyers that he should contact me to do the narration. I think Bruce felt I was passionate about this; so much so that I donated my time completely. I took no money for this. I met Jack at the studio and I was impressed with his passion for this project including his deep respect for KISS. That was one thing I had to be sure of. I wanted this to be what it ultimately turned out to be -- A wonderfully, sweet tribute to a great drummer and, from what I hear, a great person.
VS: Did you have any prior voice over work ?
JR: I came from Chicago radio back in the 80's right out of college and moved to LA in 1989 to pursue my television and voice over career. From 1994-1998, I co-hosted and produced the #1 original series for the SCI-FI CHANNEL called "Mysteries, Magic and Miracles" and now I'm hosting another series right now called "Crime Strike." I will also be doing the narration on a couple of specials for Discovery on classic television which is one of my passions. I've done voice overs from hotels to paint companies. I have projects on the air at PBS and FOX FAMILY as well. But this project is my most favorite.
In April of 2000, I will be producing a mega-concert called OCEANFEST 2000 with the Wyland Foundation to raise money for ocean conservation and preservation. We are doing this from the Rose Bowl and will have no less than 10 major acts on stage. Though I can't confirm any acts, I can tell you that Sammy Hagar, Heart, Boston, Bonnie Raiit, Santana, Cheap Trick, and few others are all interested. I hope all your readers will go.
VS: Did you know Eric personally?
JR: Unfortunately, no, one of my biggest regrets. I had met Bob Kulick back in the summer of 1991 at the time when Eric was recuperating from his heart operation. Bob was close to the situation mostly through Bruce that I felt a connection as well. Even though I never met the man. When he died, it just devastated me. I thought he had beaten it.
I think what was unique about Eric Carr is that he was the type of guy who made others feel like they knew him whether they met him or not. He was a person full of energy and passion. That mixed in with his obvious talent and goofy personality is the reason he got the gig in KISS. He fit the very thing that KISS has always tried to represent-believe in yourself because you can do whatever you set your mind to.
Jack would tell me stories for hours about how he met Eric at the Guitar Center in Hollywood and ultimately brought him into the KISS fold. Wish it was me.
VS: What is your favorite part of the video?
JR My favorite part of the video (I haven't seen the final cut so this could change) was hearing Eric's music prior to KISS and especially the Rockheads. Just wonderful! The stories from his mother and father were priceless because we are listening to ordinary suburban parents trying to figure out this "KISS-thing." Bill Aucoin and Bruce both had the best inside information relating to who Eric was as a performer. I guess that true Eric Carr fans will find difficulty in pinpointing one great part because it's all great. There are some bittersweet moments from his home video collection in the hospital and a few months before his death that may be hard for some fans to watch. What is amazing, and I salute Jack Sawyers here, is that the video we see is an Eric Carr who is still in love with life. You don't see the pain. You see a man with a number of hurdles in front of him who's in the set position waiting for the gun to sound off. That's how Eric was all his life.
VS: Has Eric influenced your career in any way?
JR Without a doubt. This is kind of a long answer because I can't start with Eric. I have to start with the band that gave us Eric. I became a KISS fan in 1975 when I bought the 45 to "Rock and Roll All Nite" and looked at the label and asked my friend who this band "Casablanca" was. I was a kid, what do you want? I bought the 45 before I knew visually who KISS was. As the 70's progressed, the KISS theme was apparent-"believe in yourself" It was a refreshing point of view in the mid 70's. From 1975 to this day, they were and still are my favorite band. I flew to Toronto just to see Paul doing "Phantom," so you know I'm a fan. I don't think I could take money working on anything relate to KISS. It would be my chance to give back.
When Eric joined in 1980, I didn't know what to think. The band had become a caricature of what they once were and now Peter Criss was gone. An era was over. Then came "The Elder" and I thought that this new guy was a powerhouse. Through the years, you'd see him in interviews, videos, and concerts and know that Eric truly enjoyed what he was doing. His drum style became the template for all metal drummers of the 80's. Only Eric was better.
His greatest influence in me is how I try to live my life and career. Eric showed that being a star doesn't mean you can write off the rest of the world. He still was humbled, still aspired to better himself, and still embraced the regular people. That is the greatest influence he has had on me as I build my career. Again, my only regret is that I came into the fold too late. But this video honors a man who has given so much. It is only fitting that we let him know that.
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